Journal-News.com

Ohio Driver License Information

License Renewals

1. A driver's license will normally expire on the fourth birthday after issuance. There is an exception for drivers between the ages of 16 and less than 21.
2. A driver license can be renewed anytime prior to its expiration date.

• However, if an Ohio License is renewed more than 90 days prior to its normal expiration date, the license will expire on the customer's fourth birthday from the date of issuance.
• If the customer renews 90 days (or less) prior to their normal expiration date, the license will expire on the customer's fifth birthday from the date of issuance.

Special Circumstances • See Under 21 Renewal • See Born on the 29th day of February Renewal • See Medical Renewals • See Military Renewals

Renewal after license has expired more than six months. Applicant must apply for a temporary instruction permit and then take all the necessary examinations before they can receive a permit, license or endorsement.

Top of page

First Time Applicants

First Time Applicants must do the following:

1. Apply for a Temporary Permit Packet at the office of your local deputy registrar. The fee will be $8.50. If your current driver license has expired more than 6 months and within 2 years, the fee will be $9.25. Take with you documentary proof of your age and social security number, (if one has ever been assigned). See Acceptable Documents.
2. If you are under 18 years of age you must be accompanied by a parent or guardian, or person having legal custody, or, if there is no parent or guardian a responsible person who is willing to assume the obligations imposed under Rule 4501:1-1-19 of the Ohio Administrative Code. The co-signer must also take documentary proof of his identification. See Acceptable Documents.
3. If you lose any portion of these forms, you will have to purchase additional forms and begin the whole process over again.
4. Take your temporary packet to the nearest Ohio Driver's License Examination Station to take the written and vision tests. No appointment for these portions of the examination is necessary. You might call to make sure when the exam station is open for business.
5. When you appear for the examination you must:
   A. Take a vision examination and a written examination.
   B. Answer questions concerning your physical health and any medical conditions you might have. If you have a condition that might affect your driving, the examiner will explain the steps you have to take and provide you with a medical packet (BMV 2058) which must be filled out by your doctor. See medical procedures for a Temporary Permit.
   C. After you pass the written and vision tests the examiner will validate one of your forms and you will be able to practice driving on the street--but only if you are accompanied by a licensed driver in the seat next to you.
6. You cannot drive on this packet (even with a licensed driver) until you have passed the vision and written tests.

Top of page

Temporary Permit

Description:

1. Current Temporary Instruction ID Cards are Digitized. These cards are issued with every Temporary Packet.
2. The Header on the Temporary Instruction ID Card is brown. The The heading has the words: "OHIO Temporary Instruction ID Card"

Usage:

1. The Ohio Temporary Instruction ID Card is issued each time you purchase a Temporary Permit Packet, unless you hold a picture Driver License or a Commercial Driver License. If you hold an Ohio Identification Card, it must be surrendered when a Temporary Instruction ID Card is issued.
2. If your Ohio Driver License, or your Commercial Driver License or your Motorcycle expires beyond six (6) months, you must start over by purchasing a new Temporary Permit Packet. If your current driver license has been expired for more than six (6) months and within two (2) years, the fee will be $9.25. See Driver License Fees.
3. BMV 2002 Form is include with the Ohio Temporary Instruction ID Card. Take this completed Form to the nearest Ohio State Highway Patrol driver license examination station to take the written and vision tests.

How To Obtain a Temporary Permit Packet:

1. Applicant must provide proof of name, date of birth and social security number (if assigned one). See Acceptable Documents.
2. You may apply for the type of Temporary Permit Packet needed at any local deputy registrar's office. See Driver License Fees.
3. For instructions regarding the testing procedures at the exam stations, refer to: First Time License Examination.

Top of page

New Resident Examination

1. You are considered a resident once you have taken a job, signed a lease, bought a home, registered to vote, enrolled children in school, etc. Historically, Ohio courts and police agencies consider you a resident within 30 days.
2. If you are the holder of a valid out of state driver license, take it with you to the nearest Ohio Driver License Examination Station to take a vision examination and a written examination.
3. The road test is generally waived.
4. If the new resident is under 18 years of age, the Driver Education Requirement must also be met. At the exam station, the examiner will check the National Driver Registry (NDR) or Problem Driver Pointer System (PDPS) files to determine if you are under suspension in any other state. If so, you will not be eligible for an Ohio license until you provide a clearance from the other state.
5. When you pass the test you must surrender your out of state license. Ohio law permits a person to hold only one valid license at any time.
6. Please present your exam passed form to the nearest Deputy Registrar Office within 60 days to be issued a photo driver license. The fee will be $9.75. See Driver License Fees.

Top of page